Mysuru: Veteran communist leader and Karnataka State Gram Panchayat Employees Association President Maruti Manpade has said that the State Government has agreed to pay minimum wages to GP employees.

Addressing a meeting of District Gram Panchayat employees at a private hotel here recently, Manpade said the Government, responding to the agitation of GP employees had raised wage of computer operator and bill collector to Rs. 13,187 that of waterman to Rs. 11,533, sweeper to Rs. 13,635 and peon to Rs. 10,065.

Pointing out that the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister has agreed to upgrade 1,147 Gram Panchayats across the State, he said the decision will help in creation of more jobs besides providing a promotion opportunity for employees.

Accusing the Centre of promoting private players in the communication sector instead of boosting BSNL, he said the centre’s action has only helped in networking of urban areas while rural areas are still far behind.

The Association office-bearers K. Basavaraj, Nanjunda, Lokesh, Nagaraj and others were present.